How the Internet Defines Your Business

by Amy Bray, Content Creation Specialist

A few years ago a group of friends and I faced the question that has plagued people around the world for centuries: where the hell should we eat? That’s when my friend Lauren pulled out her phone and pulled up this newfangled tool he called “Urbanspoon”. I looked over her shoulder and was amazed at what I saw. Restaurants were listed by distance, cuisine, price… all the information you need to pick a cool new spot.I realize talking about my discover of Urbanspoon really ages me, but I bring it up to illustrate just how dependent we’ve become on online resources today.

I often find myself turning to the Internet when I’m venturing into the unknown and statistics show I am not alone. In fact, in 2014 the Edleman Trust Barometer found that 65% of internet users believe online search results are the most trusted source of information about companies. A survey done by BrightLocal found that 49% of people would at least occasionally use online customer reviews to decide if local businesses are good.

It goes to show that if I’m doing online research for something as banal as finding the best pizza in my zip code, you can bet your bottom dollar that your prospective employees or clients are searching your business’s name to see what comes up. Take a moment and search your business’s name on Google. Do you like what you see on page 1?

According to Oxford‐Metrica, 83% of companies will face a crisis that will negatively impact their share price between 20 and 30% over the next five years. And while the crisis always passes eventually, any news or reviews covering the event could stick on your Google page 1 for much longer. Chances are, you’ve already paid your dues in response to a crisis… you don’t need to be paying interest.

If you’d like your online presence to reflect your company’s core values and current state, we can help. From our Public Relations team to our SEO experts, we have the people and skills necessary to revamp your Google page 1 and give your business a fresh start. Contact us today.